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Prenatal belly dance!

March 29, 2017 4:07 PM

In honor of Mothers Day, we are featuring Cynthia! Belly dancing while pregnant is a healthy, relaxing activity for both mother and child and is an excellent form of exercise. One of our students, Kendra Tolbert RDN, CDN, CLC, is a Registered Dietician and wrote this
excellent post on the health benefits of belly dancing while pregnant! Cynthia danced before, during, and after her pregnancy (and is currently dancing during her second pregnancy!) Read her Sahara Story below.

What is your role within the Sahara Dance community?
Company member, Raqs Caravan East Manager, and Raqs Sahara member.

How long have you been dancing with Sahara Dance, and how did you start?
I have been with Sahara Dance since Summer 2006. I started bellydancing in Brazil in 2001; when I moved to the USA I was looking for a belly dance studio, and luckily I found Sahara Dance!

How do you think belly dancing has affected your life (or health)?
Belly dance involves so much more than just the belly! Its a whole body workout. Its relaxing and fun exercise.

Can you tell us about your experience of dancing while pregnant?
With my first child, every time I would start shimmying or turning my baby would go to sleep. It was almost like he was enjoying the music and the movements. My second (current) baby does not stop moving, its like having a mini bellydancer inside me…ha!

Can you tell us about your experience of performing onstage while pregnant?
Its an awesome feeling, all eyes are on you. I still remember performing with the cane, I did a back bend and everybody was shocked. You feel feminine, you feel like a star!

Would you recommend women who are pregnant participate in belly dance?
Absolutely!!! It strengthens and tones the abdominal muscles, which made it so much easier during childbirth. (I had a normal delivery…and trust me it helps!!) Afterwards, your body knows to go back to its natural shape easily. I gained 20 pounds in my first pregnancy, and in less than 2 months I was down 24 pounds! Even my doctors couldn’t believe it. Eat healthy and dance!

Do you think your dancing has affected your children?
Yes. My first child was a very calm baby and now my he is totally in love with any music! If he hears any music he starts dancing and won’t stop.

Anything else you’d like to share?
The studio has such a positive atmosphere celebrating women, and celebrating life. I’ve been in love with Sahara Dance from the moment I stepped in the studio, no kidding! I definitely recommend for all moms-to-be and current moms out there.